Most of SEC commissioner’s comments to kick off SEC media days were mostly about football, but he took time to recognize softball player Alex Wilcox, who passed away last month at age 18 after her battle with ovarian cancer.

“We’re still saddened by Alex’s untimely death,” Sankey said Monday during his opening remarks at the College Football Hall of Fame.

Sankey started his comments about Wilcox by saying “doing well is not just limited to football” in the conference. Then he proceeded to say the SEC is honoring “a young woman who made a profound impact during her short time as an SEC student-athlete.”

Wilcox is that young woman as she played 16 games for Mississippi State after leading Brantley to three AHSAA Class A state titles.

“Every one of the SEC softball teams rallied around Alex in the ‘No One Fights Alone’ campaign,” Sankey said. “I want you to understand this wasn’t the result of something my office did, a conference meeting or an administrative idea."

Sankey pointed out how SEC teams supported Wilcox and the cause with videos and wearing white and teal uniform with Wilcox’s name on their helmets.

“We are encouraged and humbled by the leadership shown from the young women on our softball teams. That is why we honor every one of those teams with the SEC Sportsmanship Award this year,” Sankey said.

South Carolina quarterback Jake Bentley also received the 2017-18 SEC Sportsmanship Award.

After a close 15-9 win, Bentley consoled Tennessee freshman quarterback Jarrett Guarantano, who came up short of leading the Volunteers to a comeback win over the Gamecocks.

“Thank you, Alex for being part of the SEC, thank you to the softball teams of this great conference for their support and the encouragement you showed to her,” Sankey said. “And thank you Jake for your friendship, your encouragement and your leadership.”